VWS is a trained, dedicated and passionate non-profit group, consisting only of volunteers.

Combined these members have over 56 000 hours of fire fighting since their launch in 1999/2000 in Cape Town.

Today they boast 220 volunteers over four stations (Newlands, Jonkershoek, South Peninsula and the newly developing Grabouw Station).

They also provide training and other services, such as wildfire suppression, education and awareness programmes, and the monitoring and active suppression of fires during prescribed ecological burns.

Since VWS opened its base in Jonkershoek in 2009, several students and staff members of Stellenbosch University (SU) have joined.

“Some have moved on, as students do, and new ones have taken their place. Currently about 20% of VWS Jonkershoek members are associated with SU.

“Of the 23 new members who joined in 2016, nine are Maties students and two are SU staff members,” said Pia Nänny, marketing liason for the Jonkershoek station.

Hayley Hagen, founder of the VWS Jonkershoek base, added that students have proven to be a great asset to VWS.

“Bringing their enthusiasm and energy, they add tremendous value as their schedules often allow them to respond to call-outs when others, bound by office jobs, can’t.”

SU’s own heroes

Jen Fill – American post-doctoral fellow, a member for two years:

“What has impressed me most about VWS is the dedication, selfless commitment and unconditional friendship of the team. Over the course of training, and especially on the fire line, I’ve realised that the irresistible call to participate is really because of the profound friendships and camaraderie that accompany a mentally and physically demanding experience.”

“It was very exciting! You push yourself past what you thought you were capable of. Everyone was very supportive. You’re with great people, doing something rewarding.”

Oliver Freyer – biodiversity and ecology student.

“VWS is a bunch of really cool people, and the selfless commitment to help is phenomenal. Fighting fire is tricky and tough, but comes with a very rewarding feeling. The support from farmers and the public is a highlight too. I’m just sorry I didn’t join sooner.”

Deidré, Liesel and Maryna Odendaal – joined VWS in 2016 to challenge themselves and to make a difference.

Deidré, a PhD student, has enjoyed meeting amazing people who take the time to volunteer and make a difference in their community during their spare time. Liesel and Maryna are both Masters students.

Adam Venter – mechanical engineering student, is still chasing his childhood dream of being a fireman and a hero.

“I’ve always wanted to jump in and help when there were big fires, and it was finally time to get involved.”

How can people interested in offering their services join VWS as volunteers?

Follow Volunteer Wildfire Services on Facebook or Twitter (@vwsfires) for more information or send an email to recruitment@vws.org.za to be placed on a distribution list. A series of information sessions are held in March/April each year and interested parties will be informed and invited to attend.

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GVB Protest Opinions

Paballo Thabethe

“I feel so strongly this. Because I personally come from a background where my mom was abused, all of this triggers a lot of emotions. I feel so strongly about this topic, and about asking Stellenbosch to stand up, because Stellenbosch was usually a university that barricaded such issues. I feel like the fact that we are out here, speaking about it, is a step in the right direction.”

Leo Figueira

“For me, it was very apparent that there were not a lot of men, and specifically white men, at this rally. That is the main thing that, as a white man, stood out for me. The lack of concern on the faces of the management was also very clear. The general anger, fear, frustration and anxiety was very apparent, and I think it came out in a way that it needed to come out. This will hopefully resonate with the rest of the community.”

Elode Duvenhage

“I feel like the management, at times, was not listening or engaging. There was no understanding. In a way I do understand that it is horrible to be screamed at by students and then having to respond, but just trying to show a little more sympathy would have been nicer. Another question is: how come they are only listening to us now? This started years ago, and these issues shouldn’t be dealt with now, on the last day of the third term. Also, and many people brought this up, this is a situation where students must choose between human rights or marks. It is not fair to place that on students who want both.”

Kaiser Aryee

“I was initially playing devil’s advocate, because I thought that this is an educational institution, and if there is no major obstruction, we should continue as normal. But as I got here and the officials addressed us, I felt that there was a sense of apathy – I don’t think they are on the ground enough with students, and that is what they get paid for. I can’t play devil’s advocate as much as I previously could. Our officials can definitely do more for us. We need more engagement with students. I am sick of emails – it is the most impersonal way to address people. I feel like, as a leader, you should be able to use your critical thinking skills, which you should have if you are in that position, to think up solutions – you can’t just go in circles when people are dissatisfied.”

Mieke Verster

“Administratively, the students are more prepared than the management. This is not right, because obviously it is our jobs at university to study, to learn and gain knowledge, and it is theirs to look after us. And I can understand the frustration of students – but of course, it is also frustrating when the crowd starts to talk in circles. I think we need to channel that energy into finding solutions – not because it is our job as students, but because, clearly it is not happening.”

Anon.

“I feel like the management should have supported us more – like, for example, by organising transport to protests. I also think that residence heads should have been here today. I feel like they are making it a you-problem. They could also have given better options for people missing assessments to go to the protests. I am from the biggest female residence, and I can tell you now that only a small fraction of us are present today.”